How to eat well
Knowing how to eat well can be confusing. There is a lot of information available, and it can be hard to know what to take in.
Know which foods are healthy
The Australian Dietary Guidelines provide the following advice about a healthy diet.
Have plenty of
- Vegetables
- Legumes (such as lentils, peas, chickpeas, tofu and beans)
- Fruit
- Wholegrain foods (such as breads, breakfast cereals, brown rice, quinoa, and couscous)
- Water
Include
- Lean meats (such as beef, lamb and pork)
- Fish
- Poultry
- Eggs
- Low or reduced-fat milk, yoghurt and cheese
Limit
- Foods high in saturated fat (such as biscuits, cakes, fried foods, potato chips and other savoury snacks)
- Foods and drinks containing added salt
- Foods and drinks containing added sugars (such as confectionary, soft drinks, cordials and energy drinks)
- Alcohol, or seek non-alcoholic alternatives
Vegetarian and vegan diets
You may choose to follow a vegetarian or vegan diet for ethical or health reasons. When choosing which foods to eat, the Australian Dietary Guidelines suggest it’s important to:
- Consume a wide variety of plant foods so that your energy needs are met.
- Be aware of which vitamins and nutrients commonly come from animal sources and take care to get those vitamins and nutrients through the alternatives you choose.
- Seek further dietary advice from a professional if you feel you need to.
How you can start eating well
Starting something new can be difficult. It can take the body and mind time to adjust to big or sudden changes in diet.
It helps to start small and take it slowly. Just pausing to consider what you eat can help you choose healthier
food options.
Tips to maintain a healthy diet
Establishing and maintaining healthy eating habits will help keep you on track for long-term health. Here are some practical things you might try:
- plan your meals in advance
- write a list of healthy meals and snacks which are quick and easy to prepare.
- make a shopping list or arrange to have groceries delivered
- pre-cook meals to store in the freezer for a later date.
Learn more about routines and mental health
Go easy on yourself
It's normal to eat for comfort sometimes – it can be an important part of self-care. If you do occasionally indulge, be aware that you’re doing it. And don’t be hard on yourself.
When it comes
to a healthy diet, the goal is to find balance, not perfection.